Presenter: Taliah Hodges, Public Health Science, Global Public Health Scholars
University of Maryland’s Help Center is a Peer Crisis and Intervention Hotline that provides free and confidential help and support to the UMD community. The organization is student- run and seeks new trainees every semester to add to the resourceful organization. My practicum at the Help Center involves me training to help callers deal with conflicts that may be causing them trouble or if they just want to rant, no matter the cause. We complete two to four semesters of training to help callers generate solutions to things such as transitioning troubles, intimate and non intimate relationship issues, suicidal thoughts, and other dilemmas. There is no issue too big or too small, and we are always ready to listen. We are very mindful of the help we offer, and conscious of every single word we say as we are aware that in tough situations, every little thing matters and plays a role. As a member of Help Center, I am provided with the opportunity to attend numerous workshops, such as those revolving around diversity, which allow me to become a better trainee and apply what I learn to the help I can give in the future.